Gorgeous Peloponnese Fishing Town
Thursday, March 30, 2023
As if Gythion, Greece is not already lovely enough, the entire town is undergoing renovations of the buildings and waterfront walkways. Under the leadership of their mayor, incentives are offered that are helping transform their town into an upscale haven. Their charge is to preserve the flavor of the town through their renovations, and they are doing a fabulous job of it.
We were very happy that we chose to take the water shuttle into town, and instead of doing an excursion, we walked and savored. The weather was absolute perfection — sunny blue skies and about 60 degrees. We felt that we had been transported to a little slice of heaven. How easily folks could fall in love with this treasure and live here forever!
Crystalline waters glistened in the sun, and the water was so clear, you could see the shallow bottom, with tiny anemones at the base of the seawall. Gythio or Gythion is the former port of Sparta from antiquity, and it has a long history and many lovely sites. On a hill above the town is an ancient Roman theatre that was built during the first years after the birth of Christ. Also on the top of the Kourmaros Hill is the little church of Agioi Pantes, from where you can also see Within and the whole Gulf of Laconia. There is a an archaeological museum by the city hall as well.
Cranae Islet at the right side of the port entrance has a lighthouse, a traditional tower of Mani, and a lovely lighthouse built in 1873. Also, a lovely building, the House of the Virgins, was built in 1886.
Our ship anchored in a harbor completely surrounded by mountains, with taller ones in the distance that reminded us of the Southern Alps in New Zealand.
Part of the little town climbs a sharp hill, but most of the shops, restaurants and hotels are on level ground. At intervals, steep steps took you up the hills. A short walk from the dock took us right up to gorgeous restaurants serving fresh seafood and other Greek delights. Octopus hung from racks, drying the sun and advertising the restaurants.
We walked the stone streets and avenues, stopping to check out shops, and even visiting a delightful grocery store for a few items we needed. Then at a small gift shop, I bought a lovely blue and white patterned scarf and shopping tote and Joan picked up a few souvenirs, while Cliff enjoyed a delicious Denmark beer in a lovely little bar called Old School. Then Joan joined him in another beer while I gazed dreamily out of the window, taking in all of the beauty.
Next, we sought out authentic gyros. Fellow passengers pointed out what looked like a hole in the wall. The restaurant had a large tented area across the little road with tables and chairs, but we sat right outside the window where the chef was carving the fresh pork, gyro style. We all had gyros stuffed with French fries and all of the wonderful fixings you would expect. Joan and Cliff each enjoyed a huge bottle of Greek beer and I had a Coke Zero. The entire bill was only $19! (Thank you, Joan, for treating us.)
Then Cliff sat on a bench and talked with folks while Joan and I went into a bakery for ice cream and baklava.
By the time we met up with Cliff, he had found out from cruise ship staff members, who were also strolling around and enjoying the town, where to get the best octopus. We walked along the water to an elegant restaurant, which looked brand new inside, with white table cloths, called Saga. Cliff enjoyed another beer, seafood soup (he says the best he has ever had) and octopus in olive oil and herbs. This was served with a small bowl of black olives and olive oil bread. Joan and I each enjoyed a glass of wine.
It was time to return to the ship, so we reluctantly made our way back, which was a very short walk. The water shuttle, which is really the ship’s lifeboat, was rocking like crazy in the water as it tried to approach the ship. We held on for dear life as we disembarked from the shuttle to the ship. It was like one of those rides at an amusement park that they don’t recommend for those with heart conditions. It was a fun ending to an absolutely fabulous day. I would love to have spent a full week in Gythion.
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